Fun Facts About Austria

Located in Central Europe, Austria is a German-speaking country that is noted for its alpine scenery. The landscape is characterized by alpine villages, rugged terrain, and baroque architecture. Vienna, which is located on the Danube River, is the capital. In this post, we are giving you the best Austria facts.

A Basic Introduction

Home to the Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palaces, the city has counted such famous people as Freud, Strauss, and Mozart as its illustrious residents. Some of the noteworthy regions of the country include Traunsee Lake and the Bohemian Forest.

List of fun facts of austria

Austria interesting facts #1

The Government of Austria and its Leaders

The first Austria fact is that the government of Austria is defined as a Federal parliamentary republic. The President is Alexander Van der Bellen and the Chancellor is Christian Kern. The Upper House in Parliament is known as the Federal Council while the Lower House is called the National Council. Austria joined the European Union on the first of January in 1995.

Austria fun facts: the government

Interesting Austria facts #2

Austrian Men Really Enjoy Austrian Cooking

The next Austria fact is that among the population, about 50% of Austrian men are considered overweight, which is considered the highest in the EU. However, only 8.6% are considered obese. In contrast, approximately 20% of the women are said to be overweight. Not only do the men like to eat but Austrians drink liquor that is much more potent as well. The definition of a standard drink in Austria is 20 grams of pure ethanol, double the standard amount in other countries in Europe.

Interesting facts Austria: the cooking

Austria interesting facts #3

A Home to a Number of Nobel Laureates

One of the fun facts about Austria is associated with the country’s tendency to win the Nobel Prizes. The tally of the prizes makes Austria a leading country in this respect. Seven of the prizes have been awarded in physiology or medicine while four have been given in chemistry and three in physics.

Also, the Austrian novelist Bertha von Suttner was the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905. Because of this record, the country can boast one the highest number of Nobel laureates per capita. Austria only follows Luxembourg, the Scandinavian countries, and Switzerland in this respect.

Interesting fact about Austria: the number of Nobel laureates

Interesting Austria facts #4

Some Interesting Facts about Austrian History and Culture

Austria interesting facts and statistics also note the age of the Austrian flag. The banner is one of the oldest national flags in the world as it dates from 1191. That is when Duke Leopold V fought during the Third Crusade in the Battle of Acre.

This type of information also leads history buffs to pursue a number of fun facts about Austria that are related to the country’s heritage and history. For example, the country itself is part of the German-speaking part of the Austrian Empire, which was ruled by the Hapsburg Family dynasty. The family had a long history as members of the ruling class as their reign lasted from 1526 to 1918.

During the Hapsburg reign, the Schönbrunn Palace was the summer palace of the family and featured 1,440 rooms. You can also find the world’s largest emerald in Austria, a 2,860-carat sparkling green gem. The sizable emerald is displayed in the Imperial Palace in the Imperial Treasury of the Hofburg in Vienna.

In 1938, Austria became a part of Nazi Germany. It did not exist as an independent country until 1955, when it formally became independent once again.

Some of the Oldest Historic Sites

The next Austria fact is that the oldest zoological garden in the world is located in the Austrian capital. Tiergarten Schönbrunn was established in Vienna in 1752. Another one of the oldest sites in the country is Haslauer, which was founded as Stiftskeller St. Peter in 803. The business is the world’s oldest inn and restaurant that is still in operation. It is also the oldest company on the European continent.

Another historic site is Vienna’s Central Cemetery, which is called Zentralfriedhof. The final resting place is home to over 2.5 million tombs, which is a number that is higher than the city’s current population. You can find the tombs of Brahms, Beethoven, Gluck, Schoenberg, Schubert, and Strauss in the cemetery.

Interesting facts of Austria: historic sites

Interesting Austria facts #6

Austrian Topography

One of the interesting facts on Austria is that when it comes to topography, Austria is primarily made up of mountains. The Austrian Alps cover just over 62% of the country’s land area. Europe’s second highest and prominent peak is Großglockner, which stands at 3,798 meters with a prominence of 2,423 meters.

Indeed, Austria is defined by a mountainous terrain as the country features 13 peaks that are above 3,000 meters and 34 peaks above 2,000 meters. The country also boasts spell-binding cascades. The Krimml Falls, or Krimmler Wasserfalle, in the state of Salzburg are Europe’s tallest waterfalls. They extend to a height of 380 meters.

Austrians must appreciate their land and nature as they are also known to be the top recyclers in Europe. About 63% of waste is recycled in the country.

Interesting facts on Austria: the topography

Austria interesting facts #7

Interesting name

One of the fun facts on Austria is the name of the country is derived from the Germanic word “austro,” which means “east.” In German, Austria is called Osterreich, which means “Eastern Kingdom.”

Interesting facts on Austria: the name

Interesting Austria facts #8

The unique culture and interesting people

One of the interesting facts on Austria is that Josef Madersperger, an Austrian, invented the sewing machine.

Born in Salzburg, Christian Doppler is famous for his discovery of what is known as the Doppler Effect. The Doppler radar used by meteorologists relies on this Doppler Effect.

In Austria, the traditional folk costume known as the Tracht is accepted as formal attire and can be worn to elegant balls at the Viennese Opera. While men wear green Loden Jackets and leather breeches, women don Dirndl dresses.

Interesting facts of Austria: the culture

Austria interesting facts #9

World famous food

One of the fun foodie facts of Austria is that Wienerschnitzel is a typical main dish of Austria and strudel, which is a dessert, was first created in the country.

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Interesting facts of Austria: the food culture

Interesting Austria facts #10

Austria is known for its charming and unique hotels.

Make the most of your time in Austria by staying in one of these famous hotels.

Located in Kühtai, Iglu Village is perfect if you’re going on a skiing holiday and you want to experience a unique winter adventure. Check out the latest prices for—> Iglu Village.

Located in Bad Blumau, Rogner Bad Blumau is truly different from the other hotels out there. With a very quirky and colorful vibe, you have to take a look at this fairytale hotel. Check out the latest prices for—> Rogner Bad Blumau.

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Austria interesting facts #11

Other facts of Austria

Let’s take a look at the other fun facts of Austria.

Because the Austrian spa waters of Bad Gastein contain radon, patients must present a doctor’s order before enjoying the water’s “healing” effects.

The first postcards that were circulated were used in Austria.

Downhill or alpine skiing has been the most popular sport in Austria for over a century. The first handbook on skiing was written by Mathias Zdarsky in 1897.

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Did you know any of these facts of Austria? Do you know any other Austria funny facts? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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